Rival Report 6/29: NFL commits $10M to new sexual violence prevention initiative "Raliance"

The NFL has had their run ins with the PR nightmare of having some of their players commit violent acts against women and now they are stepping up against it. They are looking to help in the prevention of more such acts occurring by offering $10 million in funding over 5 years for a new sexual violence prevention initiative known as "Raliance".

"We are pleased to help drive real change, support innovative programs and make significant and lasting headway in combating sexual violence." said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We know that Raliance's important work will make a difference for thousands of women and men around the country."

Raliance is actually the collaboration between three top sexual violence prevention organizations that have come together to form one initiative that will be headquartered in Washington DC. The organizations that have come together are the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) and the California Coalition Against Sexual Assualt (CALCASA)-PreventConnect.

This is a great step forward in the fight against the violence against women that occurs throughout our country and the entire world. The goal of ending violence against women in one generation is a lofty one but this initiative is set up to help out tremendously in many different ways.

They intend to help by; promoting more accurate and sensitive reporting on the issue, expansion of sexual violence prevention strategies across the country, strengthening support for the survivors of sexual assaults, advance research and improve informed policymaking at national, state and local levels, and increase access to treatment for people at risk of becoming sexual predators.

After several high profile acts of violence against women were committed by NFL players such as Darren Sharper, Ray Rice and Greg Hardy the conversation has become louder than ever. The outrage over the short 6-month jail sentence handed down to ex-Stanford swimmer Brock Turner shows that people are listening more than ever. Raliance is hoping to take advantage by forming this joint coalition now while the conversation is at it's loudest.

"Raliance operates under a belief that sexual violence is preventable. We believe that if it can be learned, it can be unlearned," said the executive director of CALCASA-PreventConnect.Sandra Henriquez. "We have set a bold agenda that will allow us to maximize this watershed moment in which the public's awareness and outrage surrounding sexual violence is more heightened than ever before. Raliance believes that the moment to rally folks is today -- not in the future, but now. We call upon each segment of society to join with us today, as we set about ending sexual violence in one generation!"

NFL commits $10 million to sexual violence prevention initiative - NFL.com
Three leading sexual violence prevention organizations announced today the creation of "Raliance," a collaborative initiative dedicated to ending sexual violence in one generation.

NFL to Fund Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative - ELLE
"Raliance" wants to end sexual violence in one generation.

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